Low Profile Vehicle antenna

[jnasium21]

Hi all,
I am trying to find a low profile antenna for UHF, and 7/800 MHZ to add to my vehicle for my BCD325P2 scanner. I have heard mixed things that I can use one antenna, and some say I need two different antennas. The only requirement is it has to be low profile (antennas cannot be over 5"). I was looking at the Laird Phantom Elite antenna series, but I am open to anything.

Thanks in advance!

 

[mmckenna]

A UHF 1/4 wave is going to be about 6" tall. Is that one inch going to be a big issue? Hard to beat a basic 1/4 wave. It would provide ~some~ level of performance on 800, but not as good as a band specific antenna.

Other option would be to run two separate antennas and combine them with a diplexer. A UHF 1/4 wave would be 6 inches, as above. A 1/4 wave 800MHz antenna would be really wide banded and would cover 700 and 800 really well. That would be about 3" tall. If 6" is totally out of the question, look at one of the "knob" type antennas, they work fairly well on UHF, then add a second antenna for 800.

The 'pancake' type antennas will work, but not as well as something that sits a bit taller.

 

[devicelab]

If you live in a relatively flat location (no elevation changes) then the Laird Phantoms should be fine for you -- but don't expect miracles. And don't forget, these antennas pretty much require a drilled NMO -- not some crappy magnet mount. The 1/4 whip for UHF is approximately 6-7" but I doubt anyone would go out and actually measure it so it'd probably pass for 5".

Just note that the Laird Phantom is monoband only on 700 or 800 -- not both. So you'd have to at least buy a 4-port antenna switch if you require all three bands.

 

[NC1]

Looks like you need to buy a shorter car, then put on the correct antenna.

 

[KC4YIN]

As Device lab said, The Laird Phantom shark fin antennas work well. I use one on my Hyundai Santa Fe fo uhf DMR and run a diplexer cut for uhf and 800mhz and it works very well. This is a drilled through the roof install BTW.

 

[jnasium21]

A UHF 1/4 wave is going to be about 6" tall. Is that one inch going to be a big issue? Hard to beat a basic 1/4 wave. It would provide ~some~ level of performance on 800, but not as good as a band specific antenna.

Other option would be to run two separate antennas and combine them with a diplexer. A UHF 1/4 wave would be 6 inches, as above. A 1/4 wave 800MHz antenna would be really wide banded and would cover 700 and 800 really well. That would be about 3" tall. If 6" is totally out of the question, look at one of the "knob" type antennas, they work fairly well on UHF, then add a second antenna for 800.

The 'pancake' type antennas will work, but not as well as something that sits a bit taller.

Thanks for the input. There really is no issue with a couple of inch difference. For the 800 antenna, would an antenna like this work? Link

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the input. There really is no issue with a couple of inch difference. For the 800 antenna, would an antenna like this work? Link

It would work, but you can do better. Some suggestions:

-You mentioned 700MHz and 800MHz, so getting a 1/4 wave antenna that is tuned for 800/900MHz would work, but not as well as one actually tuned for 700/800MHz.

-Tram products tend to suck. Those chrome nut style antennas are kind of hard to screw up, so probably an OK choice, but it's priced about twice what it should be.

-The chrome nut style antennas like that (any brand) tend to allow some water to ooze down the whip and past the seal. Eventually they collect water and corrode the mount. If you did some preventative maintenance, as in took it off every week or so and cleaned/dried it, you might get a few more years out of it. I've stopped using them at work, just too much hassle for a very minor cost savings.

I'd recommend one of these two antennas. I've used both brands and they've been good performers and provide a much better seal on the NMO mount. The EM Wave is the same price as the Cheap Chinese Tram antenna, and you won't have the water leakage issues. The Larsen costs a bit more, but I've been using those at work and personally for nearly 30 years now.

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_192_197&products_id=9289

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_192_198_222&products_id=877

 

[krokus]

Thanks for the input. There really is no issue with a couple of inch difference. For the 800 antenna, would an antenna like this work? Link

Yes it will work, but is of questionable quality. If you want to use that style, instead of what mmckenna linked in his post, then get one of these:

https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=191_192_198_222&products_id=876

 

[trentbob]

Everybody is kind of saying the same thing here but in my experience I would avoid the plastic Phantom antennas. You are only listening. A 5-inch quarter wave as has been recommended on an NMO preferably drilled and centered on your roof or trunk will work just fine for your needs.A good quality lip mount will work also. Centered. This is not that difficult to figure out.